Question Number: 25299

Mechanics 8/10/2011

RE: International (USA vs Mexico) Professional

Devin of Lenexa, KS USA asks...

I noticed that several times during the course of the match, AR2 often times was sidestepping with his flag in his right hand. In US Soccer, it is emphasized to keep your flag in your left hand at all times (except when signaling GK, CK, etc). Why the inconsistency?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Devin
The accepted norm is that the flag should be in the hand nearest to the field of play so that the referee can clearly see the flag including when it is no raised. So when going towards the halfway line it is in the right hand and when going towards the goal line it is in the left hand.
Sidestepping or 'crabbing' is where the AR is facing the field of play. FIFA assistant officials in addition to above have been advised to have the flag in the hand most likely to be used by the AR with the change made below the waist. So when it gets into the last third and when sidestepping the right hand is favoured as supposed to the left as it is likely to be used for all the signals including offside.. The important part whatever way is used is that the flag is clearly seen and that it is raised in the appropriate hand/arm so the referee is clear what is the signal.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

I'm not sure I would label that as an inconsistency. The USSF Guide to Procedures says simply that the AR should hold the flag straight down and where it is visible to the referee during play. While we do teach referees to hold the flag generally in the left hand when facing the field, there are good reasons why the AR might choose to put it in the right close to the goal line. This may have even been part of the pregame, and a request from the referee.